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Friends,
Next week is the deadline for legislation to be filed by any member of the Texas House or Senate, so we will soon know all bills that can be considered for passage. 
Here is a summary of some of the events over the past week in Austin. 

Coach Tony Dungy Visits to Promote Fatherhood Initiative 

 This week I had the chance to meet former NFL coach Tony Dungy, a former professional football player himself who guided the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Coach Dungy is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and NBC Sports analyst, and I have always admired him for publicly sharing his faith. He stopped by my office to share his work with All Pro Dad and Family First to promote the importance of fathers in the home. A dad to eleven children, Coach Dungy believes firmly that being a father is his most important job, and he works to equip men in becoming better in leading their families.

Meeting with Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw; First Hearing of Senate Border Security Committee

As I begin my service on the Senate Border Security Committee, it’s important to stay abreast of how Texas’ substantial investments of funds are being used to secure the border. In preparation for the first hearing of this committee this past Thursday, I met privately with Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw. As DPS Director, Col. McCraw oversees Operation Lone Star, Texas’ own border security initiative. In recent sessions, we have provided substantial funding to deploy more surveillance aircraft, gun boats, state troopers and Texas Rangers to protect the Texas border.  On this committee, it will be important to learn what kind of progress are we making with this funding. Furthermore, what additional steps can we take to secure the border in light of the federal government’s abject failure and dereliction of responsibility to do so?  

During his testimony before the committee, Col. McCraw stated that the most significant vulnerability from a public safety and homeland security standpoint remains the unsecure southern border with Mexico. Six Mexican cartels dominate there and are moving cash, people, weapons and drugs.  The director described the situation as a “Global Mass Migration Event”, with over 1.2 million illegals crossing the border last year. The U.S. Border Patrol is simply overwhelmed, with the cartels using sophisticated intelligence networks and unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor their activities.

Col. McCraw testified that Mexican cartels have always been involved in the cocaine and heroin business, but they have now taken over the Fentanyl trade which is highly lucrative and profitable to them.  The proliferation of Fentanyl, and the danger it poses, is driven in large part by the fact that it is becoming difficult to tell the difference between an authentic pharmaceutical drug and one manufactured by the cartels. 

In one of his most chilling comments, he stated that there is nothing that ISIS has done in the Middle East, from a torture and brutality standpoint, that the cartels haven’t done to accomplish their goals – or even worse.   Col. McCraw made a point to acknowledge that no state has done more to secure the border than Texas. I asked him to consider what additional steps the legislature can take to help support him do even more.  These options will be explored as the session progresses.

First Meeting of the Education Committee and Subcommittee on Higher Education

This week marked the first hearing of the Education Committee and the Subcommittee on Higher Education. We heard initial testimony from Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, as well as Commissioner Harrison Keller from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. THEC oversees all community colleges and four-year universities in the state.

Senate District 10 is home to important institutions of higher learning including TCU, University of Texas at Arlington, Weatherford College, Howard Payne University, Tarrant County College, and the Texas A&M School of Law. Additionally, the Tarleton State University Fort Worth satellite campus is located along the Chisholm Trail Parkway near Crowley.  

 Filing Legislation to Combat Anti-Israel Boycotts on College Campuses

Back in 2017, Gov. Abbott signed into law House Bill 89, known as the Anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestments, and Sanctions) bill, which prohibits all state agencies from contracting with, and certain public funds from investing in, companies that boycott Israel. I was honored to sponsor this legislation, which at the time was hailed as one of the strongest anti-BDS laws in the nation.

Recently, the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission conducted a study which found Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) as a tool of antisemitism on college campuses is evident in many ways. The study found that the BDS movement often targets Israel alone for boycotts, while turning a blind eye to the world’s worst human rights violators. On Friday, I filed SB 1517, which aims to stop these academic boycotts of Israel on college campuses.  Specifically, students who have sought the opportunity to conduct studies or research in the nation of Israel have been denied that opportunity. SB 1517 would remedy these situations and require that institutions of higher education prohibit academic boycotts that deprive students or faculty members of the opportunity to study or conduct research in Israel.  

The Texas Economy Rolls Along

This week Governor Abbott accepted the “Governor’s Cup” award for a record 11th year in a row and 19th win overall. Established in 1978 by Site Selection Magazine, the Governor’s Cup recognizes the nation’s top performing state for job-creating business relocations and expansions.

Supporting the Cleburne Pregnancy Center

On Friday night in Johnson County I attended the annual Boots and Booties fundraising event benefiting the Cleburne Pregnancy Center, which offers free services and resources for pregnant women including ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, and counseling.  I appreciate the invitation from my friends Dr. Joel and Elizabeth Victory to attend and deliver remarks on the remarkable progress we have made in Texas to promote a culture of life and virtually eliminate abortions. Organizations such as the Cleburne Pregnancy Center are vital in providing alternatives to abortion to women facing an unplanned pregnancy.  As more unborn babies are being saved, the role of these organizations becomes even more important.

Monday was President’s Day, so we had somewhat of a shortened week of activities at the Texas Capitol.  Still, it was a busy and productive week with sessions on the Senate floor and meetings with numerous constituents and fellow Texans. 

Thursday’s Texas Legislative Prayer Breakfast

On Thursday morning, numerous elected officials, Capitol staffers and breakfast sponsors joined together for the Texas Legislative Prayer Breakfast, held during each legislative session. It was encouraging to see a huge turnout to hear from Pastor Tony Evans, who always delivers an inspirational, uplifting message. Pastor Evans discussed his book, “Kingdom Politics”, underscoring the need for those who impact public policy to adhere to Godly principles in political discourse. 

Mayor Mattie Parker at the Capitol

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker made the rounds in the capitol on Wednesday. Mattie served as my Chief of Staff years ago when I served in the Texas House, and she does a great job on behalf of the interests of the fifth-largest city in Texas. Incidentally, Fort Worth is also one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. During a meeting with Mayor Parker and State Rep. Craig Goldman, we discussed issues important to business and families across Fort Worth.

Recognizing Texas’ Strong Relationship with Israel 

As you know, I am a strong proponent of protecting, preserving and enhancing our relationship with Israel. In fact, in the past I have authored and passed legislation which protects Israel against unfair boycotts designed to weaken the only true democracy in the Middle East and America’s best partner in that hostile region. This week, I joined with Senator Charles Perry and other colleagues to sponsor SR 212, a resolution recognizing the organizers, supporters and attendees of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast taking place in Houston on Friday, February 24. This event also celebrates 2023 as the 75th anniversary of Israel. Being a faithful partner and friend to Israel is always in Texas’ best interest.

Fighting the Harmful “Woke” ESG Agenda with Texas RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian and Rep. Carrie Isaac

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a podcast with Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian and Rep. Carrie Isaac. We primarily discussed the “woke” ESG movement and its assault on Texas businesses whereby these ill-advised policies harm their ability to access capital. To listen to the podcast, click below.

 #4 – Texas State Senator Phil King & Representative Carrie Isaac by Waynes World: Energizing Texas

Arlington’s Chaplain Rich Stoglin Serves as Pastor of the Day

It was a pleasure to have Tarrant County Chaplain Rich Stoglin as Pastor of the Day for the Texas Senate. Every morning before we begin the business of the day, a pastor delivers the invocation. On Wednesday, Chaplain Stoglin led us in prayer. A proud veteran, Chaplain Stoglin is a retired Navy chaplain (having served 39 nations as a Senior Advisor), former Head of Religious Services in the Federal Bureau of Prisons within the U.S. Department of Justice, and current president of the Frederick Douglass Republicans of Tarrant County.  

Other Highlights of the Week

• Dr. Cory Hines, president of Howard Payne University (HPU), stopped by to bring me up to date on some of the latest developments at HPU, a private university in Brownwood with more than 1,100 students founded in 1889. Last fall, I visited the campus and met with community leaders from across Brown County. Did you know that Howard Payne University has satellite campuses in New Braunfels and El Paso?
• I met with Charlie Gilchrist of Weatherford, who is the serving as current chairman of the Texas Auto Dealers Association. Charlie is a longtime friend whom I’ve known for many decades, and he briefed me on important legislation to provide additional protection and repair services needed for consumers.
• On Tuesday night, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn was in town and we were able to have dinner. We caught up on a number of subjects, including my appointment to the Border Security Committee. Sheriff Waybourn is a statewide leader in advocating for tough border security and it was good to get his counsel and input on these matters.
• On Tuesday, representatives from Bell Helicopter, Gulfstream, and Lockheed Martin were in town as part of “Manufacturers Day”, sponsored by the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM). These companies employ thousands of people who reside in our district and provide a huge economic impact to the region. Texas remains the top exporting state in the nation for manufactured goods.

Looking Ahead
Next week, I will participate in the first hearings of the Education, Border Security and Criminal Justice committees. As always, you can view these and all committee hearings (either live, or catch the recordings afterwards) at this link: The Texas State Senate Committee Hearings 

To watch proceedings of your Texas State Senate when they are in session, use these links:
The Texas State Senate – Senate Live Broadcasts
The Texas State Senate – Senate Video Archives

And of course, next Thursday, March 2 is Texas Independence Day!  

Have a great weekend!

Dear Friend:

Here’s a recap of some of the events from last week.   I hope these updates are helpful in providing you more insight into the work that goes on in your state capitol. 

First Meeting of Business and Commerce Committee

The Senate Business and Commerce Committee held its first hearing on Tuesday, and the topic was electricity. This hearing was the first of two which focus on identifying market distortions and how to make sure we have enough power generation for the needs of a growing Texas.  Members of this committee are tasked with ensuring a dependable, reliable grid that will be there when we need it, regardless of the weather.

We started with a briefing on the recent January winter storm, hearing that we didn’t have problems from power generation or the grid; rather it was ice that caused the problems.  After that, we had three panelists testifying about a proposed market redesign plan from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). 

We had a very robust discussion that lasted around six hours. We heard from three panelists:  Peter Lake, Chairman of the PUC; Zachary Ming of E3, a consulting firm hired by the PUC to study the various options and how they would impact reliability, generation sources, and costs; and finally, Carrie Bivins of Potomac Economics, our independent market monitor, who provided her view on the financial impact of the proposed PUC plan. The PUC plan is just one of many options being discussed. In the second part of the electricity hearing we will hear testimony from stakeholders on other possible market design plans.  You can listen in on the next hearing, and all other Texas Senate committee hearings, at this link HERE. 

State Budget 101: How is Our State Budget Crafted?

Since the Texas Legislature meets only once every two years, legislators are required by the Texas Constitution to pass a budget that covers the next two years (known as the biennium). 

The process of preparing a state budget begins long before legislators convene in Austin for the Legislative Session.  In fact, individual state agencies submit what is called a detailed legislative appropriations request (LAR) under the guidelines of the state’s Legislative Budget Board (LBB).

The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) is a permanent joint committee of the Texas Legislature that develops budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations, completes fiscal analyses for proposed legislation, and conducts evaluations and reviews to improve the efficiency and performance of state and local operations. Current board members include the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the Texas House, four State Senators and four Texas House Members.  

After the various agencies submit their budget requests (usually no later than the Fall prior to the next legislative session), they are then sent to the LBB, the Comptroller’s office and several other state agencies. Next, the LBB and the Governor’s Office of Budget, Planning and Policy hold hearings on these requests.  Then, shortly after the beginning of each session, the Senate and the House each present their own budget, which is a starting point for the process that will play out over the next several months.  

2024-2025 Budget 

Here is an overview of SB1, the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 biennium that was filed last month. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said upon the budget filing, “SB 1 keeps our promises to Texans and charts a course for our state’s continued prosperity. Our conservative budgeting principles applied throughout SB 1 make sure that government does not grow faster than population times inflation.”

Brown County Day at the State Capitol 

One of the highlights of the week was to meet with friends and community leaders who were in town for Brown County Day. It always invigorates me to meet and interact with the citizens that I have the privilege of representing across our eight county district. We covered a wide range of topics including the state budget, electricity, education and more.

Those who were present included Brownwood County Mayor Stephen Haynes, Republican Party Chair Robert Porter, Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford and Brownwood Deputy City Manager Marshal McIntosh.  Also present were Kandice Harris, Executive Director of the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce and many other members of the chamber leadership. Thank you to all that organized this fun day at our Texas Capitol! 

Honoring Opal Lee of Fort Worth: “Grandmother of Juneteenth”

On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Texas Senate honored 96-year old Opal Lee, who championed legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday by walking from Fort Worth to the nation’s capital. After a portrait of her was unveiled – the first new portrait to be hung in the senate chamber in more than 40 years – Ms. Lee received a standing ovation. She is an amazing woman and Tarrant County is blessed to have her. 

Other Weekly Highlights

• On my way to Austin on Monday, I stopped in Fort Worth to catch up with County Judge Tim O’Hare.
• As we prepare for the first meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee, we had our first meeting with senior leadership at the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).
• Representatives of the Texas Association of Counties were in town this week, so I had the opportunity to visit with Judge Michael Roach of Stephens County as well as county leaders. 

 Have a great weekend!

Phil King
State Senator, District 10 

What a Week!  Thank You First Responders and Essential Workers

As we are back to clear roads and warmer temperatures, this is a great time to thank the numerous first responders and essential workers who have shown up in tough, often dangerous conditions over the past week. It’s a long list, and we often take these people for granted. So to those of you in law enforcement, emergency services, hospitals and health care, retail, city and county essential services, firefighters, utility linemen and others who helped keep the power going:  we thank you for your service. 

A Productive Week Powering Through Challenging Conditions

 We all learned during COVID how to adjust to meeting through Zoom calls and other means, so even with the bad weather that shut down most of Austin we had a very productive week.  Some were Zoom meetings and others were in person. As I prepare for service on the Education Committee and Higher Education subcommittee, I had meetings with Mike Morath, Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, representatives from the Texas Association of Community Colleges, and Fort Worth ISD Trustees.  To seek input on legislation which impacts law enforcement I met with various sheriffs and police chiefs as well as with the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA).  

My Proposed Legislation:  Reining in Rogue DAs 

As a Justice of the Peace, state representative, attorney and police officer I’ve had the honor of working with numerous District Attorneys across the years; many of them are personal friends. These public servants have a tough job – and my professional respect. We are blessed to have outstanding DA’s across SD 10.  Unfortunately, that is not the case everywhere. 
Case in point: should a District Attorney be able to pick and choose which laws he or she decides to enforce?  Of course not, but increasingly that’s what is happening across the country and even here in Texas. That’s why I have filed SB 404, legislation to provide tools to rein in out of control DAs who categorically refuse to enforce the law. Under this proposal, prosecuting attorneys would be monitored by a newly reconstituted Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council (PACC), an entity with authority to file a petition to remove a prosecutor from office for incompetency or misconduct. Confidence in our rule of law can not be undermined by those who turn a blind eye to crimes and offenses they deem unnecessary to prosecute.

Remembering the Faith of Courageous Trailblazers During Black History Month

February is Black History Month and an opportunity to remember the tremendous sacrifices and contributions made by countless black Americans – and their faith which drove them.  My good friend David Barton of WallBuilders has shared a fascinating document with me. America’s Heroes: Black History Edition is a collection of 20 short biographies that highlights some of America’s black heroes, and it’s a very interesting read. Some of those profiled include a black-owned car manufacturer in early America, a black patriot who was the first double spy during the War for Independence, the first black female missionary from the States who was responsible for educating Hawaiian nobility, and George Washington Carver, born into slavery yet became one of America’s most renowned scientists.  These inspirational stories share how faith was central to so many of these men and women.  Read and review the document HERE. 

Powerful Legislative Information At Your Fingertips

 With the legislature in session for less than a month, we are still early in the process.  The deadline to file bills is March 10, so bills are still being drafted and submitted.  Still, at the Texas Legislature Online site, found HERE, you can already find a wealth of information to equip you to be a more informed citizen. Here are examples of what you can research at the site right now:

• What are the various committees of the Texas Senate?
• Who serves on those committees?
• How does a bill become a law?  
• How can I better understand the meaning of various legislative terms? Turns out, there’s actually a handy Legislative Glossary, which you can find HERE.

There are a few bills filed already, but the number of bills filed will dramatically increase in the weeks ahead.  At TLO you’ll be able to learn the bill author, the purpose of the proposed law, where each bill stands in the legislative process and more.  If you have interest in a particular bill, you can even sign up for alerts when there is movement related to the bill you are tracking.

The week ahead

The first meeting of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, where I serve as Vice Chair, will take place next Tuesday, February 7. If you’d like to watch the proceedings, they will begin at 11:00 AM (or upon adjournment of the Senate). Follow along at the following link: Senate B&C Hearing Link

As we enjoy the return of sunshine, have a great weekend!

Phil King
Texas State Senator, District 10

Dear Friends, 

 We are up and running, and as of today we are 119 days from adjournment.    The session will move quickly, and I’ll do my best to keep you apprised on key developments.

Here’s an update on some items from this past week.

Honored to be Chosen to Serve as TCCRI Board Chairman

This week, the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute’s (TCCRI) Board of Directors voted to name me as the new Chairman of its board.

TCCRI was founded in 1996 by a group of state leaders determined to implement conservative public policies in state government.  You could think of TCCRI as a “capitol think-tank” comprised of legislators and others who work to shape public policy through a principled approach to government. The work of TCCRI is based upon the four core principles of: Limited Government, Individual Liberty, Free Enterprise and Traditional Values.

I’ll be replacing former Senator Larry Taylor, who will now serve as TCCRI’s Staff President.   Larry served twenty years in the Texas Legislature and eight years as TCCRI’s Board Chairman.  I’ve known him a long time, going back to our time in the House together. He’s a good man, and I look forward to working with him to grow TCCRI’s impact on public policy.

The Texas Economy is Booming

Reports released this week from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics show that in 2022, Texas added 650,100 jobs – a growth rate of 5%, which is more than any other state and more than doubling our historical average. The Dallas-Fort Worth region grew even faster than the state — 5.9% for the year. It’s encouraging to see that Texas has emerged from the post-COVID economy stronger than ever, providing more evidence that Texas’ low tax, pro-business economic public policies continue to make our state an economic powerhouse. In fact, we are the world’s 10^th largest economy! 

Recap on Committee Assignments

I emailed on Monday with a special message concerning the committee assignments as announced by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.  If you missed that, here’s a recap of where I will be serving:

• Business & Commerce Committee, where I will serve as Vice-Chair
• Education Committee (also a member of that committee’s Higher Education Subcommittee)
• Border Security Committee
• Criminal Justice Committee
• Transportation Committee

I’ve already begun digging in on the issues concerning several of these committees, meeting with my colleagues and preparing for upcoming hearings. There’s a lot of work ahead, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to advocate for sound, conservative policies on each of these committees.

A Personal Note

In closing, Thursday was mine and Terry’s 44th anniversary! We were engaged after only a couple weeks of our first date. We just knew. I don’t even know how to express how grateful I am for Terry. We are still young…but I look  forward to growing old together. Six wonderful kids and 17 grandchildren. God has been so very, very good. Each year of our marriage has been so blessed and every year better than the one before. I can’t wait for next year.

Inaugural Ceremony for Governor Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

 On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick were officially sworn in and took their oath of office. Constituents from all over the state gathered in Austin for a series of inaugural events. During the inaugural swearing in ceremony, we saw a glimpse at our top leaders’ legislative priorities for the 88th Session. The prominent priorities centered around property tax relief, border security, investment in our power grid and infrastructure, support of parental rights, school security and support of law enforcement.  

Both Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov Patrick highlighted the $33 billion budget surplus, stressing that those funds belong to taxpayers, not the government, and a priority will be to provide property tax relief. Days later, the first draft of the budget bill was filed in both chambers that includes $15 billion for property tax relief, including $3 billion to raise the residential homestead exemption from $40,000 to $70,000.  

Securing the border was also a top theme throughout both addresses. The filed budget includes $4.6 billion to continue current support for Operation Lone Star, the state-sponsored effort to secure our southern border. Texas will continue to fight human and drug trafficking at the border despite the lack of support from our federal government. 

Texas continues to be the fastest growing state in the nation. It is truly the best place to live, work and raise a family. Priorities will include investing in our infrastructure such as our power grid and improvements to ports and roads to keep up with the growing demands. The Lt. Governor emphasized the need for more dispatchable thermal generation to be built for increased reliability, which I couldn’t agree more with, so I look forward to those discussions during session. 

Parents being able to make decisions on where their child goes to school and support for improvements in our school security were also among the top priorities discussed at the inauguration. The base budget filed includes full funding for the Foundation School Program, including enrollment growth and $600 million to assist in safety initiatives at schools.  

Other priorities discussed included supporting our retired teachers, mental health and bolstering funding to our law enforcement, especially in rural communities. All of these priorities were evident in the budget bill filed with increased funding in these targeted areas.     

As you can see, the legislative agenda for the 88th Legislative Session is coming into focus. Next month, Governor Abbott will deliver his State of the State address where emergency items will be declared. The House and Senate will also announce committee assignments soon. And as a reminder, the Texas Constitution states that the first thirty days of session are devoted to filing bills and acting on emergency matters outlined by the Governor. Then during the succeeding thirty days, the Legislature can hold committee hearings on proposed legislation and act on those bills. 

To watch the inaugural ceremony click HERE. Lt. Gov Dan Patrick’s remarks begin at 37:25 and Governor Abbott’s remarks begin at 58:35.  

To read more about the highlights in the base budget click HERE.  

Happenings at the Capitol

Terry and I attending the Inauguration Ceremony for Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Families from Southwest Christian School in Fort  Worth attending the inauguration and touring our capitol. 

I had the privilege of recognizing and welcoming the Texas Police Chiefs Association to our capitol on the Senate Floor. Later in the day, I met with the executive team and had some great discussions on legislation we are working on together. 

Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes and I talked about legislative priorities. Hanging on the wall are my uniform badges from when I served in FWPD. 

The Israeli-American Council had their annual conference in Austin. We have worked together for many years to combat antisemitism and end BDS efforts against Israel. With my colleague Rep. Craig Goldman, we gave a VIP tour around the capitol. 

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday at noon the Texas Legislature gaveled in for the start of the 88th Legislative Session, and I was sworn in the Texas Senate to represent Senate District 10. It is the honor of a lifetime to be trusted with the responsibility to represent the counties of Brown, Callahan, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Shackelford, Stephens and Tarrant in the Texas Senate. I am grateful for all the support and prayers I have received and look forward to the work we will do together this session.  

I was blessed to be joined by family and constituents who came to the office to offer words of encouragement and share in many special moments, a few captured in the pictures below. Thank you to all who came by this week to offer their well wishes for a successful 88th Session.

If you are in the Texas Capitol please stop in my new office to visit with me and my staff. We are located on the ground floor of the Capitol building, in GE.5. My official new email is [email protected] and the capitol phone number is (512) 463-0110. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.  

My son Josh and his wife Sarah, with my wife Terry, and me at the Senate Pre-Session dinner.

Pastor Lance Perkins, OpenDoor Church of Burleson praying over me prior to the swearing in ceremony

Terry holding our family Bible while I take my oath of office.
 

As session advances, I will continue to keep you informed on what is happening with legislative updates. We have a lot of hard work ahead. Just this week, Comptroller Glenn Hegar released the Biennial Revenue Estimate for Texas, which projects a record of $188.2 billion available for general-purpose spending during the 2024-25 biennium.  Every dollar comes from you, the taxpayers, and I will continue my fiscally conservative approach to make sure money is not wasted.  

Next week, I will share an update on legislative priorities for the 88th session and preview legislation that I will be actively working on. 

P.S. – If you have any friends or family that would like to stay updated during the session, sign up for my newsletter at www.philking.com/signup.  

Texas has made big strides in electric reliability over the last year. Improvements include weatherization of facilities, requiring onsite backup fuel for generators, mapping of critical infrastructure, improved communication and multiple other services at ERCOT to bring additional generation online quickly if needed. However, with the big cold snap predicted for this week I do believe some reasonable preparations are in order.

            This winter, the estimated peak power consumption for Texans is roughly 67,000 megawatts (MW). If everything goes as planned, ERCOT expects on average around 87,000 MW of electricity to be available. (Installed capacity is much higher but ERCOT uses historical data to discount a significant amount of wind and solar generation that will not be available due to suboptimal weather.)  

            That sounds like we have plenty of capacity to spare. However, about 10,000 MW of the estimated 87,000 MW available comes from wind and solar generation (renewables). The rest is dispatchable generation from nuclear, coal and natural gas power plants (thermal generation). Wind and solar can provide energy at low cost but they are not always available when you need them. Simply put, the wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine at the right time.

            Texas needs more natural gas fired generation.  Natural gas is abundant here, clean and relatively cost effective.  However, the federal government has created a real disincentive to expanding this reliable, dispatchable power source. The fed heavily subsidizes wind and solar. Rule one of government is that you always get more of what you subsidize and less of what you tax.

As a result of the federal subsidies, for many years now almost all of the new generation in Texas has been in renewables.  Precious little new thermal generation has been added to the ERCOT grid. 

            On top of the subsidies, the Biden Administration has aggressively discouraged new thermal generation.  After all, from a company’s perspective, would you invest a billion dollars in a natural gas plant when your president is saying his goal is to shut you down?

            My point is this—take reasonable precautions as the cold snap approaches. No one expects another Storm Uri but you can’t with absolute certainty predict the weather.  On high power consumption days our thermal generation will be stressed which can lead to unexpected equipment malfunctions. And based on historical data, we can’t rely on the renewables to be available unless the wind and sun are just right.  

            So, bottom line, don’t panic or be worried but be prepared. Just in case, it doesn’t hurt to make sure you keep a full tank of gas this Christmas week. Pick up any prescriptions you may need and have some food at home that doesn’t require cooking. It’s always a good idea to have some bottled water in the house. With temperatures possibly staying below freezing for 48 hours, make sure you follow normal protocols related to protecting your outside faucets, indoor plumbing and especially your pets. All of this will make it easier to “weather” any temporary power outage that we could potentially experience.
Sincerely,

Representative Phil King
Senator Elect, Texas Senate District 10

Friends, 

Like so many of you, I am deeply concerned about the future of our nation.

As a father and grandfather, I worry about the country and the path we are on. For so many reasons, it’s simply unsustainable.

But this I know: Texas remains a beacon of opportunity and a model for low taxes, limited government and individual freedom.

That’s why tomorrow is critical. If the Democrats were to ever gain a foothold in Texas by winning a statewide office, it would be a troubling omen – because as we all know if we ever lose Texas, we’ll lose the nation.

If you voted early, thank you.

Many of you wait until Election Day to cast your votes. Tomorrow, please don’t let anything get in the way of you getting to the polls and casting your ballot for every Republican, from Governor Abbott down to your local county offices, and everything in between.  Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. See below for a list of voting locations near you. 

As always, Terry and I appreciate your prayers, support and friendship. 

Sincerely,

Phil King
Senator-elect, Senate District 10
State Representative, House District 61

Election Day Voting Locations by County

Brown County

Callahan County

Johnson County

Palo Pinto County

Parker County

Shackelford County

Stephens County

Tarrant County

Wise County

Dear Friends,

Have you already voted? If not, have you made a plan to do so? Early voting continues until Friday, November 4th. 

As a reminder, this coming weekend is your only opportunity to vote on a Saturday and Sunday. That’s a great time to vote as you are out and about (see the links below for voting times and locations).

This is no time to take anything for granted.    

You may have seen that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been barnstorming the state for weeks, visiting counties all over the Lone Star State and reminding fellow Texans of the stakes in this election. From the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley, across West and East Texas and lots of places in between, Lt. Gov. Patrick is leaving no stone unturned. He’s working to turn out conservatives and make sure that Texas remains the national leader in jobs, growth, opportunity and freedom.   

You can learn more about his tour here.

Thanks again for your friendship and support.    

Sincerely,
Phil King
Senator-elect, Senate District 10
State Representative, House District 61

PS Please forward this email to your friends, co-workers and family as a reminder that early voting is well underway. Election Day will be here before you know it. Let’s vote!

Early Voting Times & Locations 

Brown County

Callahan County

Johnson County

Palo Pinto County

Parker County

Shackelford County

Stephens County

Tarrant County

Wise County